Deputy Nursery Manager

Willingcare; Hook; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted childcare

Day off on your birthday

Benefits portal

Pension scheme

Staff incentives

Wellbeing programme

Ongoing training and professional deev

personal Development

Job summary

Willingcare is looking for a Deputy Nursery Manager for a maternity cover role, offering up to £34,000 per year. This Good Ofsted-rated nursery seeks someone experienced who can support daily operations and uphold high standards.

The role involves leading a team, ensuring quality care for children, and liaising with families. Benefits include discounted childcare, a day off on your birthday, and ongoing training opportunities.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience supporting nursery teams and maintaining high-quality practice.

Responsibilities

• Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the nursery team to maintain consistently high standards.
• Monitor the quality of care, education, and learning experiences across the setting.
• Support staff through coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
• Help maintain safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environments.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies are consistently followed.
• Take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Knowledge of EYFS framework

Safeguarding knowledge

Education

Level 3 Early Years qualification or equivalent

Job description

Job Description

Deputy Nursery Manager (Maternity Cover)

Up to £34,000 per year | Level 3

Looking for an opportunity where you can step into a leadership role and make an immediate impact?

This Good Ofsted-rated nursery is seeking an experienced Level 3 Deputy Nursery Manager to join the team on a cover contract. We're looking for someone who has previous Deputy Nursery Manager experience and can confidently support the day-to-day running of the nursery while maintaining the high standards that families have come to expect.

The nursery has been thoughtfully designed to create a bright, airy, and welcoming environment. Spacious rooms are filled with high-quality learning resources, sensory equipment, and engaging play areas, while free-flow access encourages children to move seamlessly between indoor and outdoor learning. Every space has been created to help children feel safe, supported, and inspiring to learn through play.

What We’re Looking For

• Full and relevant Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent).
• Previous experience as a Deputy Nursery Manager is essential.
• Strong knowledge of the EYFS framework, safeguarding, and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience supporting nursery teams and maintaining high-quality practice.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A proactive, positive approach to supporting children, families, and colleagues.
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding early years education and care.

What You’ll Receive

• Up to £34,000 per year
• Approximately 12-month maternity cover contract
• Discounted childcare
• Day off on your birthday
• Benefits portal
• Pension scheme
• Staff incentives
• Wellbeing programme
• Ongoing training and professional development

Your Role

• Support the Nursery Manager with the day-to-day running of the nursery.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the nursery team to maintain consistently high standards.
• Monitor the quality of care, education, and learning experiences across the setting.
• Support staff through coaching, mentoring, and regular supervision.
• Build strong relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
• Help maintain safe, stimulating, and inclusive learning environments, making full use of the nursery's sensory resources and free-flow spaces.
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and nursery policies are consistently followed.
• Take responsibility for the nursery in the Manager's absence.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and verification of the right to work in the UK, in line with safeguarding responsibilities.

Reference: WILL249403/DB